SOUTHPORT — A local man’s routine stop for gas turned into a life-changing payday Wednesday when he scratched off the first top prize in a newly released lottery game.
Angelo Collins of Southport claimed a $100,000 prize from the North Carolina Education Lottery’s new “Cash Payday” scratch-off series. Collins purchased the $30 ticket at the Circle K located on North Howe Street in Southport.
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After discovering the win, Collins said he quickly returned home to share the news with his wife. The couple reportedly sat in shock before traveling to lottery headquarters in Raleigh on Thursday to collect the winnings.
“It’s a dream,” Collins told lottery officials. “It couldn’t have come at a better time too.”
After state and federal tax withholdings, Collins took home $72,018. He told officials he intends to use the money to pay off bills and provide support for his family.
The $100,000 Cash Payday game launched earlier this month. According to the North Carolina Education Lottery, Collins’ win represents the first of 80 top prizes available in the game meaning 79 of the $100,000 tickets remain in circulation.
Last year, lottery-funded initiatives contributed approximately $6.3 million to education programs within Brunswick County. Across North Carolina, the lottery raised a record $1.05 billion in 2025, marking the third consecutive year the state has surpassed the $1 billion mark in support for public schools, scholarships, and school construction.
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